Just ordered a Dillon 650

I just placed an order for a Dillon 650. I am hoping it will work as good as everyone says. When you order, they ask you what caliber you want, but dies are not included. So why do they ask you that? Do they include a shellplate for that caliber?

Also when I buy a caliber conversion, that does not appear to include a tool head. Can I buy a toolhead also, and then just leave that toolhead set up for a certain caliber? And then just swap toolheads to go from one caliber to another?

If you enjoyed reading about "Just ordered a Dillon 650" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!

EddieNFL

December 10, 2009, 06:54 PM

Do they include a shellplate for that caliber?
Shellplate and locator pins. Also a couple of casefeed parts. Conversions do not include toolheads and yes, you can setup your dies and swap the entire head. Helps if you have multiple measures. Buying used will save you a few bucks and you still enjoy the same warranty. Did you order a casefeed?

Welcome to the addiction. :)

UltimateReloader

December 10, 2009, 06:55 PM

The XL-650 comes with a caliber conversion kit, and a toolhead. They need to know the caliber conversion kit to know what conversion kit to install for you.

Yes, you can buy toolheads and leave the dies setup.

I have a complete HD video series on my website that shows you how to load, change calibers, etc.

Check this out:
http://ultimatereloader.com/?p=480

Are you going to order the case feeder? It's great :)

What calibers are you going to load?

Balrog

December 10, 2009, 07:02 PM

Did you order a casefeed?

Whats the point of a progressive without a casefeeder? I decided to go for it.

I have loaded a bunch of ammo, mostly using a Lee turret. I ordered the 650 set up for 10mm, but will be loading pretty much everything I shoot on it, from 9mm to 45-70.

EddieNFL

December 10, 2009, 07:58 PM

Whats the point of a progressive without a casefeeder?

I agree, but not everyone does.

Win1892

December 11, 2009, 12:10 AM

I consider my 650 one of my prized possessions. After the initial purchase with the case feeder, I've probably spent that much again on accessories and caliber conversions. If you pay attention to the individual parts in a conversion you will find there is frequent duplication from one conversion to another. Sometimes all you need are a few small parts to complete a caliber.

One of the reasons I like handloading is you can build an "arsenal", of the best tools available, on your bench for much less money than other hobbies cost.

My 650, Giraud trimmer, PACT powder dispenser, RCBS Ammomaster, and numerous micrometer adjustable dies, and about every other toy available still costs less than one years ownership of an over-rated, under powered sports car. What a return on investment.

EddieNFL

December 11, 2009, 09:13 AM

I'm with you, Win, but I whet with the overpowered sports car. ;)

snuffy

December 11, 2009, 03:55 PM

Whats the point of a progressive without a casefeeder? I decided to go for it.

Well I didn't----------at least for the first month!:scrutiny: Stopping to fill the tube, or forgetting and running it dry was frustrating to say the least. To use the sports car comparison, it was like running a sports car in reverse all the time!

I've probably spent that much again on accessories and caliber conversions.

Same here, after I got the case feeder, I've added 7 caliber conversions WITH separate toolheads, and several powder measures. For rifle, I've added a Horandy case activated powder measure with an older powder measure to eliminate the old slider powder measure by dillon. Much better, more consistent powder charges,(.223 and .308).

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/terrysoops/websize/image9.jpg

This one shows the linkage without the powder cop in the way.

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/terrysoops/websize/image2_2.jpg

UltimateReloader

December 11, 2009, 04:14 PM

Snuffy- thanks for posting those pics! Very interesting.

EddieNFL

December 11, 2009, 04:24 PM

Snuffy,

I have the Hornady linkage with a Uniflow mounted on one of my 550 toolheads; works great. Before I bought the linkage, I contacted Hornady and they said it wouldn't work with the older measures (sucks, I have three), but only the LNL measure. I looked at it and it didn't appear to match up, but I didn't try to mount it. Did you have to do any modifications to get it to work? Thanks.

snuffy

December 12, 2009, 04:34 AM

Eddie, that's the old linkage as well as an old Hornady measure. They're compatible, I didn't know the new linkage was only made to fit the newer LNL measure. I was going to get another linkage for a second tool head, Now I know I'll have to buy the measure as well!:cuss:

EddieNFL

December 12, 2009, 08:12 AM

Your linkage looks awfully similar to the one I have. I'll compare later today; maybe try a Hornady measure.

I did notice the RCBS and Hornady linkages are the same...except price. RCBS wants about $20 more.

wmurphy

December 12, 2009, 07:30 PM

My only regret with my 650 is that I didn't buy it sooner. This is great equipment, excellet warranty, and the best tech support.

EddieNFL

December 12, 2009, 07:33 PM

Roger that, Murph.

Snuffy, your linkage is slightly different than mine. The newer linkage will not work with the older measures. :fire: I'm thinking of selling all my Dillon measures and switching to LNLs or Uniflows.

Balrog

December 12, 2009, 10:20 PM

What is wrong with Dillon powder measures that would make you want to switch to Hornady?

PCFlorida

December 13, 2009, 04:49 AM

Love my 650!

EddieNFL

December 13, 2009, 08:53 AM

What is wrong with Dillon powder measures that would make you want to switch to Hornady?
Aside from being designed by Lee? (just kidding).

Dillon measures were not designed with stick powders in mind. I get good results with small granule powders such as 322, 4227, N133, etc, but accuracy drops off with coarser powders. Drum type meters tend to work better with coarse powder.

Balrog

December 13, 2009, 10:08 AM

I already have a Hornady case activated powder measure. That will work on the 650, wont it?

EddieNFL

December 13, 2009, 10:21 AM

Yes, it will. You will have to fiddle with adjustment to get a full cycle, but it's pretty simple. Took me about 10 minutes from start to finish to set mine up.

I wish I could find several of the old linkages like Snuffy has.

If you enjoyed reading about "Just ordered a Dillon 650" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!